Cop appears alongside Mozambicans for kidnapping KZN businessman! A member of the South African Police Service (SAPS) appeared alongside two Mozambican nationals in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, charged with the alleged kidnapping of businessman Zakariyya Desai.
Samkeliso Honest Mlotshwa, a police officer, was joined in court by Esmael Nangy and Stefan Brites, who were apprehended in November 2024. The trio faces charges related to the abduction of Desai, the owner of Desai’s Cash & Carry, who was forcibly taken outside a mosque in KwaZulu-Natal in September 2024.
Details of the Kidnapping
Desai was abducted after a night prayer by suspects driving a silver VW Polo. Witnesses reported that the suspects fired several shots to ward off attempts to stop the kidnapping. Since the incident, Desai’s whereabouts remain unknown, prompting an intensive investigation led by the KwaZulu-Natal Hawks, who have pursued leads nationwide.
Cop appears alongside Mozambicans
Nangy’s Criminal History
One of the accused, Esmael Nangy, has been linked to multiple kidnapping cases, earning him the label of a “kidnapping kingpin.” Nangy was previously arrested in January 2023 in Centurion, Gauteng, during a collaborative operation between South African authorities and Interpol.
The operation followed a formal request from the Mozambican government, which implicated Nangy in a series of kidnappings in Mozambique where ransom demands were made.
At the time of his arrest, Nangy was found in possession of a licensed 9mm firearm, 14.9mm cartridges, five cellphones, multiple South African bank cards, and SIM cards from both South Africa and Mozambique.
Despite being denied bail in the Tembisa Magistrate’s Court due to Mozambique’s extradition request, questions remain about whether Nangy was ultimately extradited and how he was later released.
Trafficking Case in the Western Cape
In a separate but related matter, another Mozambican national, Moses Sithole, appeared in the Vredendal Magistrate’s Court in the Western Cape on Monday. Sithole faces charges of human trafficking and violating the Immigration Act.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) conducted the arrest on December 5, 2024, as part of a multidisciplinary operation. Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi, the Hawks’ provincial spokesperson, provided details of the case.
“The team, comprising the Hawks’ Economic Protected Resources (EPR), Crime Intelligence, Vanrynsdorp SAPS, and the Department of Home Affairs, arrested the 38-year-old suspect,” Vukubi stated.
Rescue of the Victim
The arrest followed a tip-off about a young girl being held against her will at Sithole’s residence in Vanrhynsdorp. Upon raiding the property, authorities rescued a 17-year-old victim who was allegedly trafficked from Mozambique to South Africa two years ago. After being freed, the victim was given medical attention and transferred to a place of safety.
Court Proceedings
During his initial court appearance, Sithole was formally charged, but the case was postponed to December 11 to allow for the appointment of an interpreter. Sithole remains in custody pending further proceedings.
Ongoing Efforts to Combat Organized Crime
Both cases highlight the persistent challenges posed by organized crime syndicates operating across borders. Authorities, including the Hawks, continue to intensify efforts to dismantle networks involved in human trafficking, kidnapping, and other transnational crimes.
The case of Zakariyya Desai has drawn attention to the growing collaboration between local law enforcement and international agencies in addressing cross-border criminal activities. Meanwhile, the plight of human trafficking victims, such as the 17-year-old girl rescued in Vanrhynsdorp, underscores the importance of continued vigilance and swift action by law enforcement agencies.
As investigations into these cases progress, South Africans remain hopeful for justice and the safe return of Desai. Both trials are expected to reveal critical details about the extent of organized crime and corruption impacting the region.
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